A Kaleidoscope of Unity Celebrating Holi in Australia
In Australia, the arrival of March marks a shift in the air, not toward the spring of the Northern Hemisphere, but toward a vibrant autumnal celebration of Holi, the Hindu Festival of Colours. What was once a niche community gathering has evolved into a cornerstone of Australia’s multicultural calendar, embraced by people of all backgrounds. From the iconic shores of Darling Harbour to the suburban backyards of Brisbane, Holi in Australia is a powerful symbol of “Unity in Diversity.”
The Spirit of the Southside
While massive public festivals like the Brisbane Festival of Colour draw thousands to the city’s parks, the heart of Holi remains in the intimate, grassroots celebrations that keep ancient traditions alive. A shining example of this is the annual gathering hosted by Mr. Adrian and Roshni Naidu in Brisbane’s south.
Their home becomes a sanctuary for the Southside Chautal Group, a dedicated mandali that preserves the rare and rhythmic art of Chautal and Faag singing. These traditional folk songs, rooted in the rural landscapes of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar and carried to the Pacific by the Girmitiyas, find a new resonance on Australian soil.
At the Naidus’ residence, the air is thick with more than just gulal (coloured powder); it vibrates with the sound of the dholak (drum) and the clash of manjira (cymbals). The Southside Chautal Group leads the gathered families in high-energy, competitive singing that narrates the playful antics of Lord Krishna and Radha. This isn’t just a party; it is a cultural transmission, where the younger generation watches their elders reclaim a heritage of joy and resilience.
A Modern Australian Tradition
The beauty of such private celebrations is the seamless blend of the old and the new. Between the spirited rounds of singing, guests enjoy a fusion of traditional treats like gujiya and bara and sweets.
As Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recently noted, Holi has been “heartily embraced” as part of the modern Australian story. Whether it is through the grand scale of the Swaminarayan festivals, the community kitchens of the Gurudwaras, or the rhythmic folk songs at Adrian and Roshni Naidu’s home, Holi in Australia serves as a vibrant reminder that our traditions are the threads that weave us into the fabric of this great nation.
